Center Back is undoubtedly at the top of the Manchester United‘s needs this summer. They not only need a more complimentary partner for Maguire, they need more depth with injury and contract issues looming. Let’s take a look at some not so realistic, some possible, and a few other players that could be targeted during the 2021 summer transfer window. Here are the top Manchester United center back targets for this summer.
The “Unicorn, probably not for sale, and highest price but real possibility” signings:
Matthijs de Ligt – Juventus
Age: 21
Current Value: $83 Million
The top valued Center Back in the world right now. Juventus paid $94 million for him in 2019. He would be perfect to pair with Maguire. Of course, Manchester United are “linked” to him for this upcoming window, but for that amount of money I would be shocked if it happened. Long story short, he’s Haaland but on the opposite end of the formation.
Raphael Varane – Real Madrid
Age: 27
Current Value: $77 Million
It’s doubtful that Varane will be up for sale, but his contract is up next summer. With Sergio Ramos likely leaving this year, Real Madrid need to decide on a contact extension or a sale for Varane. He’s been with them for 10 years and still has strong years ahead of him.
Jules Kounde – Sevilla
Age: 22
Current Value: $66 Million
Sevilla have lowered their asking price for Kounde which means there could be a real chance for Manchester United to target him this summer. Signing Kounde would immediately raise the back line to undoubted title contending level.
The “Less than top dollar, but definitely top tier talent” signing:
Edmond Tapsoba – Bayer Leverkusen
Age: 22
Current Value: $45 Million
When Liverpool tried to sign Tapsoba this past January, Leverkusen told them to pay his release clause of around $60 million. That’s less than Manchester United paid for Maguire and Tapsoba is much younger.
The “Would provide solid rotation and challenge for Lindelof” signings:
Merih Demiral – Juventus
Age: 23
Current Value: $33 Million
Demiral has been linked to a lot of clubs over the past year. Juventus know that they can wait for the top bidder and if they decide to sell him, they will get a good amount of money and would still have their top CB (de Ligt).
Ben White – Brighton & Hove Albion
Age: 23
Current Value: $28 Million
Brighton will be tough to convince to sell him, but White has gone on record saying that he would welcome a move to a top club like Manchester United.
Ozan Kabak – FC Schalke
Age: 21
Current Value: $28 Million
Currently on loan at Liverpool, but he doesn’t seem to be their top target this summer. With the loan ending and FC Schalke being relegated in the Bundesliga, he could be up for a permanent sale at a discount.
The “Pure depth” signings:
Ethan Ampadu – Chelsea
Age: 20
Current Value: $14 Million
Currently on loan at Sheffield United and returning to Chelsea this summer. He’s on this list because he’s young, a solid prospect, and has EPL experience.
Oscar Mingueza – Barcelona
Age: 21
Current Value: $11 Million
His contract expires this summer but Barcelona have a 2-year option they could execute. He almost asked them to loan him out before getting real starting minutes this season because of injuries.
Facundo Medina – Lens
Age: 21
Current Value: $9 million
Medina’s value is rising fast and Manchester United wouldn’t be the only team looking at him this summer. AC Milan reportedly are doing deep research on him as well.
There are plenty of options for Manchester United to target at Center Back. It is absolutely a need with Bailly’s injury history and him reportedly not all that happy about current contract negotiations. Realistically, Kounde and Tapsoba should be top targets for Manchester United this summer regardless of position need.
Be the first to comment